This calculator requires the use of Javascript enabled and capable browsers. Begin by entering the capacitance values into the capacitance input box. Please be sure to click on the "Enter Capacitance" button after each entry followed by clicking on the capacitance entry box to prepare for the next capacitor value entry. There is no reasonable limitation as to the number of entries as long as you follow each entry by clicking on the "Enter Capacitance" button and again on the entry box to allow for the next entry. After the last capacitance value has been entered, click on the "Calculate Capacitance" button for the returned series capacitance value and the number of capacitor values entered. Series capacitance is NOT the same as averaging. It uses the formula CT = 1 / ((1 / C1) + (1 / C2) + (1 / C3)). There are other formulae for doing the capacitance of only 2 capacitors but this works with an unlimited number of capacitors, including 2. In the formula given, CT is the total (series) capacitance of the circuit, C1 is the capacitance value of the first capacitor, C2 is the capacitance value of the second capacitor, C3 is the capacitance value of the third capacitor, and on until the last capacitor. Please remember that CT is with no exception, always smaller than the lowest value capacitor in Series. Input value is assumed to be farads and returns in the same input value. See the information below the calculator for explanation of the formula. To calculate parallel capacitance, use our Parallel Capacitance Calculator.
An example (and test) of the formula is to use three capacitors, 100 microfarads, 200 microfarads and 300 microfarads, all in a circuit in series. The total (series) capacitance would be 1 / (1/100 (.01) + 1/200 (.005) + 1/300 (.00333)) or about 54.555 microfarads. Accuracy is good to the capability of your browser, generally 18 characters in the display window. NaN is an indication of an error in input or calculation; do the process again paying close attention to your input.
